Deschutes County has selected Jeff Merwin to serve as its new Solid Waste Director following a nationwide recruitment. Merwin replaces current director Tim Brownell, who will retire March 21.
“We’re so pleased Jeff will step up to serve as our next Solid Waste Director, especially at such an important time,” said Deschutes County Administrator Nick Lelack. “With more than 30 years of experience in the solid waste industry, including here in Deschutes County, Jeff is the right person at the right time to guide the department as we complete the process of siting a new landfill, continue meeting the requirements of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act, and much more.”
Merwin has served as compliance and infrastructure manager at Deschutes County Solid Waste since April 2023. During that time, he played a key role in the construction of the new Negus Transfer Station in Redmond. He also helped lead work on the Knott Landfill renewable natural gas project and the county’s landfill siting project.
Before joining Deschutes County, Merwin served as the Crook County landfill manager for five years.
Merwin earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Oregon State University. He also completed additional graduate work in environmental health and occupational safety.
As Solid Waste Director, Merwin will oversee waste disposal and recycling operations at Knott Landfill and the rural transfer stations in Deschutes County, including the Negus Transfer Station in Redmond, the Northwest Transfer Station near Sisters, the Southwest Transfer Station between Sunriver and La Pine, and the Alfalfa Transfer Station near Alfalfa.
